The main objective of the CCLEC higher learning management program is to develop capacity within Customs which will assist in the implementation of modernization programs.  Customs officers are now required to function at a higher standard than what used to be acceptable in the past and therefore it is critical for any modernization program to address training.

In a world of change, functions and procedures cannot be carried out effectively without sound knowledge of global standards and this program will be the first to assist the region in meeting the challenges of operating in a modern Customs environment.  Please click on the picture for more information.

 

The CCLEC in collaboration with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), organized a one-week Valuation training at the basic level for regional Customs officers involved in valuation work.  The training which took place during the week of May 17^th in St Lucia brought together twenty two officers from the OECS countries and two officers from CBSA who facilitated the training.

Since the entry into force of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Customs Valuation Agreement, few countries have been in a position to fully implement its obligations.

The aim of the program was to facilitate, support, and assist Caribbean economies in their implementation and administration of an effective and efficient valuation program that is consistent with their needs and obligations under the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement.  This course provided training in the application of this Agreement, as it relates to the following issues:

On May 4 to 6, 2010, the XXXII Annual Conference of the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC) was held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The host of the XXXII CCLEC Conference, the Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA) of the Dominican Republic, provided an excellent venue for the Conference that was attended by delegates from twenty seven CCLEC member administrations, representatives of the World Customs Organization (WCO), CARIFORUM, the UN Counter Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, and a number of important private sector partners for the Caribbean Region.

The Annual Conference began with a welcome from the host, Sr. Rafael Camilo, Director General of DGA Dominican Republic, followed by an address by Mr. Jean-François Dutheil, Director, International Affairs Department of French Customs, and a keynote address by Mr. Pierre Bertrand, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance and Facilitation Directorate of the WCO.

Participants were especially pleased to welcome Ambassador Willys Ramirez Diaz, Assistant Secretary General of CARIFORUM, who provided a very pertinent address regarding the role of Customs in facilitating trade within the Caribbean region.

 

The second phase of the CCLEC Train the Trainer programme was held in Saint Lucia from March 22 – 26, 2010. The thirteen persons who completed phase I of the programme with the UWI – Cave Hill campus in August 2009, were brought together for a week long programme with a representative from Canberra University- Centre of Customs & Excise Studies (CCES).

The participants were originally short listed from candidates from member countries of CCLEC who met the qualification requirements of Canberra University.  They included: Frank Holder and Owen Holder - Barbados, Kelly Trott – Bermuda, Dawn Picket – Guyana, Joy Philips – Trinidad & Tobago, Carl Felix – Grenada, Brain Alexander – St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Terence Leonard, Claude Paul & Hinkson Regis – Saint Lucia, Odalis Alberto & Daniel Fermin – Dominican Republic and Paul Hilarie – CCLEC Secretariat.  Mr George Grace from CCES facilitated the programme.

During the week the participants were provided with an overview of the eight modules to be used for the Diploma stage of the CCLEC management Training Initiative. Each participant was required to deliver a presentation in respect of one of the modules. These sessions were very interactive and resulted in suggestions being put forward for adjusting some of the content to reflect a more regional focus.

The programme was considered to be a success in terms of meeting its objective of preparing a core group of regional trainers for the task of delivering the face to face component of the management training programme scheduled to begin in August this year.